Israel S. Clark was born the third of six children to John T. and Louisa Sluyter Clark in November 1834 in Troupsburg, Steuben County, New York.

Israel Clark married Elizabeth "Betsy" Ann Vandermark 03 Mar 1857 in Bell Run, McKean County, Pennsylvania. This union produced seven children, Clara Margaret, Clarence Dennis, Rose Elizabeth, Harriet Marilee, Ira A., Charles A., and Mary Jane.

Israel enlisted during the Civil War in Battery G, First Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Light Artillery on 29 February 1864. His service record described him as, "5 feet 8 inches high, light complexion, blue eyes, sandy hair and by occupation when enlisted, a farmer." The record revealed he was discharged at the U S. Army General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA on 18 May 1865 when he was found to be: "incapable of performing the duties of a soldier because of Chronic bronchitis with hectic and emaciation - Been in hospital since July 1864 - Disease contracted since enlistment - Unfit for SVC - Disability 1/2." (All quotes are verbatim from his service record.)

His Pennsylvania Civil War military unit history states: " Independent Battery "G", Light Artillery Organized at Harrisburg August 22, 1862. Garrison duty at Fort Delaware entire term. Mustered out June 15, 1865. Lost 9 by disease.

Israel & Betsy removed from Pennsylvania to Dunn County, Wisconsin in time for the 1870 US Census, which revealed Israel, Betsy, Clara, Clarence, Eliza (Rose), and Harriett Clark were living in the Downsville Post Office area, Dunn County, Wisconsin. His parents, John and Louisa were living with them. It is unknown when they relocated in Clark County, Wisconsin.

William and Daniel Card, children of his sister Amanda Clark and her husband Abel Card, were living next door with the Henry and Amanda Darrow family, which included Frances age16, Lydia age 13, Elizabeth age 6 and Minnie age 2. Israel’s sister, Jane, her husband Nelson Fluent, and their children Wilson, Amanda and John lived four houses away.

According to his obituary, Israel died as the result of an accident while digging a well. His widow’s pension affidavit fixes the date of death as 09 Aug 1877. He is buried in the East Side Cemetery, Withee, Clark County, Wisconsin.

Elizabeth married Lynus Moore 31 May 1881 in Hixon, Clark County, Wisconsin and this union produced two children, Oscar Franklin and Bertha. Lynus Moore divorced Elizabeth 21 Nov 1902 in Clark County, Wisconsin after she had thrown him out of the house because he would not let her bring her nephew from Pennsylvania to live with them.

Lynus died 13 May 1908 in Ladysmith, Rusk County, WI and was buried 8/13/1908, in Thorp, Clark County, Wisconsin.

Elizabeth Ann Vandermark Clark Moore died 05 May 1917 at the age of 78 years, 3 months, 15days, in Timberland, Roosevelt Township, Burnett County, Wisconsin and is buried in the Timberland Ringbu Cemetery in the same area.

Israel Clark's Cemetery Record

Israel Clark's Military Record; PDF Files-Enlistment, Pg. 1, Pg. 2; Disability.

Obit: Clark, I. S.--Killed in a Well (1877)

Mary Clark, Mary (Marriage - 1893)

Thorp Area Civil War Veterans

Notes